Marissa and Adam’s ‘Rustic Lush’ Ski Resort Wedding by Bethany Small

If you are currently looking at wedding venues and you are wanting something a bit different, then why not consider a ski resort? Not convinced? Well today’s wedding may change your mind! Marissa and Adam wanted something unique and this they got with Mt. Hood Ski Bowl in Oregon. Out of ski season this venue becomes a gorgeous mountain venue with the most stunning backdrop, complete with ski lift and alpine slide. Coupled with the beautiful ‘Rustic Lush’ decor that Marissa and Adam put in place, with lots of greenery, lush white flowers and lots of rustic wood touches, this wedding really is a stunner. The day was captured by Bethany Small

It went by so fast! It was truly magical, and everything was perfect. I wish we could relive the day again. I can easily say it was the best day of my life.

Marissa and Adam were married on 15th September 2018 at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl – Government Camp, Oregon, United States. ‘We fell in love with the venue because it was so unique! Our guests arrived to the ceremony via chairlift and took the Alpine Slide down to the reception (which I went down in my wedding dress). We wanted to provide our guests with an experience. Also, the venue stays open until 2am. We had around 150 guests and it took 1 year and 6 months to plan.’

How they met
We met in college – Oregon State University (Go Beavs!) Before being married, we were together for 6 years.

The proposal
We were traveling around Thailand for 2 weeks. Towards the end of our vacation, we were in Phuket, Thailand. We were on a guided Sea Canoe tour through caves and lagoons. Towards the end of the tour, Adam told our guide he was proposing to me. At sunset, our guide took us to a small, private beach next to the lagoon. We got out of the canoe to explore the beach and watch the sunset. As we were walking, Adam stopped, grabbed my hand, and got down on one knee asking for my hand in marriage. It was absolutely perfect.

How did you allocate your budget?
We had a set budget for our wedding. We determined what was most important to us and what the cost would be. The remainder of our budget, went towards small decorations.

Where did you splurge and where did you save?
We splurged on our venue, photographer, florals, and entertainment! We definitely saved on alcohol & dessert – my mother was able to find us an incredible deal on wine and her best friend made all of our dessert.

How did you choose your photographer?
Bethany is my cousins best friend, so I’ve known her for awhile now. I’ve always LOVED her work! I knew when the time came, I would have her photograph my wedding. Also, having her so close to my family made everything that much easier.

The dress 
Dress: Pronovias. Shoes: Vince Camuto Accessories: My mother’s earrings

The Suit and Bridesmaids
All the suits were from Generation Tux, the dresses were from The Dessy Group

Theme or colour scheme
I wanted a lush/rustic wedding. I didn’t want to have any loud colors. I wanted there to be a lot of greenery with white, accent flowers. We also used a lot of rustic wood for accent pieces (wooden rounds for the vases, crates to display the dessert, etc.)
I had all the bridesmaids in a Mauve colored dress, and all the groomsmen/groom were in a Cobalt Blue colored suit. I had all of them wear the same color tie as the bridesmaid dresses.
I also ordered the same color sash for our flower girl.

Flowers
I wanted all the flowers to be full of greenery with a few white flowers.

Decoration 
We had mason jar vases on every table, each filled with the same flowers that the bridesmaids had. The mason jars sat on rounded wood pieces that my mother’s friend cut for us. We also had candles on each table. My mom went to a few thrift shops, and purchased different, unique picture frames. We put the table numbers in each picture frame.
My cousin let us borrow her poloraid camera for our guests. We have a small photo album with all the pictures.
For the head table, we had a lot of greenery to frame the table. I wanted my decorations to feel calm and inviting to the guests.

Entertainment
We used Kelly Bechtell from John Ross Music & Production. He preformed live at our ceremony & reception. In between, he DJ’d the entire event. He was incredible!

Food
Spinach salad, Salmon, Flank steak, Mashed potatoes, Seasonal roasted veggies

Wedding cake
We decided to do a dessert-table instead of a cake. My mother’s best friend, Nina, made us coffee cake & cheesecake. Which everyone loved. I prefer savory over sweet, which is why we chose cheesecake, and Adam is OBSESSED with coffee cake.

Who supplied the stationery?
We had all of our stationary done through minted.

Personal touches
My father made us cornhole boards. They included our wedding date & the same design as our invitations.
Instead of a guestbook, we had all of our guests sign both of the cornhole boards.

Special moments 
When my father was walking me down the aisle, he was an emotional wreck. When we got to the end, he was bawling and Adam looked at him, and instantly broke down. It was really touching. They both gave each other the biggest hug. Everyone was basically in tears.
Adams father passed away in March of 2018, so we made sure to save him a seat at our ceremony & reception. It was really emotional not having him with us for our wedding, but we know he’d be so proud.
Instead of handing out gift bags to our guests, we donated money to the organization that assisted us with Adam’s fathers passing.

Advice for other couples
Don’t stress over the little things. Enjoy every moment, this only happens once in your life. Exchange personal vows! I was extremely nervous about exchanging personal vows publicly, but when the time came, it felt like we were alone and I was talking to my best friend. All my nerves went away, and I was reminded why and how we fell in love.
Your wedding should be one of the happiest days of your life. So just have fun!

Biggest surprise 
Probably all of the speeches, especially my father’s. They were all so special and really meant a lot to Adam and I.

Supplier Shout Outs

• Photography: Bethany Small
• Florist: Natalie Parks, Pots & Petals
• Entertainment: Kelly Bechtell, John Ross Music & Production
• Hair & Makeup: Dallas Merkley
• Stationary: Minted
• Dress: Pronovias, Labelle Elaine’s
• Suits: Generation Tux
• Bridesmaids dresses: The Dessy Group